If you’ve had a non-urgent or elective surgery postponed due to COVID-19, Health Sciences North has a message for you: Don’t call us; we’ll call you.
In its weekly pandemic bulletin, the hospital said there has been an uptick in the number of people calling the hospital and doctors’ offices wondering when their new surgery date will be.
“HSN is asking the public to please avoid calling HSN and physician offices to ask about when non-urgent and elective surgeries and procedures will be rescheduled,” the bulletin reads, adding the influx of calls “has put increased workload on HSN staff and physicians as they care for patients during the pandemic.”
Non-urgent and elective surgeries have not resumed at the hospital yet, and no date has been determined as to when that will happen, the hospital said today.
“Significant planning is required before a timeline can be determined,” HSN stated. “Before being implemented, those plans need to be reviewed with other hospitals and healthcare services in Northern Ontario, and align with provincial guidance.”
The hospital said it wants to assure patients who have had procedures postponed that they “will be contacted directly when it is time to reschedule these procedures.”
The Victoria Day long weekend is coming up and the hospital wants you to know that if you require emergency medical assistance over the holiday weekend, the emergency department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“It continues to be a safe space for patients during the pandemic. Patients can expect to be asked questions about their health before entering the emergency department as part of active screening.”
As well, visitor restrictions remain in effect at HSN. The only exceptions are essential visitors. Those include people who are visiting dying or very ill patients. In these cases, each patient is allowed two pre-approved visitors. One approved parent or guardian is allowed to visit a child or youth. Patients having surgery or giving birth are allowed one visitor. Patients with cognitive or language impairments or barriers are also allowed one support person.
Remember, if you have any symptoms that could be related to COVID-19, you’re asked to contact the Assessment Centre at 705-671-7373.
Symptoms include:
- Fever or chills;
- sore throat;
- Hoarse voice;
- New onset or worsening fatigue;
- Loss of taste or smell;
- New onset or worsening cough;
- Headache;
- Loss of appetite;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Runny nose;
- Sneezing;
- Nasal congestion;
- Pink eye;
- Muscle aches;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Abdominal pain, and/or;
- Shortness of breath.
If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history. Fever or chills
Patients will be screened by a nurse over the telephone, and referred to one of three assessment centers in the city if testing is necessary. The COVID-19 assessment center is open seven days a week, including the long weekend, and visits are by appointment only. Assessment Centers are designed to protect health workers and patients alike from being exposed to the virus.
For safety reasons, “walk in” appointments are strictly prohibited.
